Last week I attended the Institute of Directors enterprising women in business conference in Salford. Out of nearly 200 delegates I was amongst about 10 men at the day (last year I think k it was just 4 of us!), so I experienced a day from an unusual perspective. Listening to the many female speakers I heard about their views on the challenges of being a woman in business but also the strengths and opportunities.
It’s Not What You Say, It’s The Way That You Say It
I remember an occasion when the CEO of a company I worked for addressed their workforce. The tone of voice, style of delivery and body language was so out of place that the people in the audience (including me) literally started laughing at some of the things he said. I noticed that in the Deputy CEO's message, she said very similar things as the CEO. However, it was how she spoke that changed how it was received.
How You Can Be A Problem Solver
A workplace leader needs to move people through a process so that progress can be made and change can be implemented. If not, a team focused on a problem can stay stuck in awareness of the issue, rather than moving through it into a productive pattern of solutions. The simple, but practical process, I have seen utilised is to move the sharing and response to a problem through 3 stages of questioning:
4 Ways You Can Be A Daily Problem Solver
If you're a senior decision maker in your business you will be someone people look towards to solve problems. With this role comes the responsibility of leadership. You may be able to find answers when you are new to the role or your team but no one person has an endless supply of solutions for all situations. I get to work with many successful leaders and there are a few common traits I've seen in others that enable them to sustain their effectiveness as problem solvers.
Is Your Senior Management Team Pointless?
Last year a company I know well that was growing and achieving high quality was broadsided by an external force that took away its profitability overnight. They had a senior management team of skilled, experienced and clever people. However, that team crumbled under the issue. Eventually just one was left and they've faced things head on and rescued the business.